Amygdala

/əˈmɪɡ.də.lə/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A small, almond-shaped mass of gray matter in the brain involved in the processing of emotions, particularly fear and pleasure.

The amygdala plays a critical role in the emotion of fear.

One of the two almond-shaped clusters of nuclei located deep within the temporal lobes of the brain.

Researchers found that activity in the amygdala increased during moments of high stress.

An important part of the limbic system, associated with emotional responses and behavioral regulation.

Damage to the amygdala can affect how a person experiences and expresses emotions.

The anatomical structure that is involved in the detection of threats and the activation of the appropriate emotional responses.

The amygdala is often referred to as the brain's 'fear center'.

A key region that connects emotions to memories, influencing how we recall events.

The amygdala's connection to the hippocampus is crucial for emotional memory formation.

From the Greek word 'amygdalē', meaning 'almond'.

fight or flight

A physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival.

emotional regulation

The ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences in a constructive manner.

limbic system

A complex system of nerves and networks in the brain, involved in instinct and mood.

hippocampus

A brain structure related to the processing of memory.

The emotional brain.

He really let his amygdala take over when he freaked out.

The fear center of the brain.

My amygdala was going crazy when I saw that snake!